Some area religious organizations are planning Christmas-themed events for the community to enjoy in coming weeks.

The music ministry of First Baptist Church of Douglasville will present its annual Living Christmas Tree Dec. 7, 8 and 9 at 7 p.m. each evening.

The two-story tall tree is decorated with more than 15,000 lights, according to Music Minister Danny Koonce, and will feature the church’s Celebration Choir and Orchestra, along with the children’s and youth choirs for this holiday event.

“There is no admission charge for this family concert,” Koonce said. “It is a gift to our Douglasville community to start the Christmas season off right.”

The program will consist of many Christmas favorites, as well as traditional carols.

A voluntary love offering will be accepted for the youth choir’s upcoming mission trip to Guatamala, said the music minister.

A drawing will be held for free tickets to Stone Mountain Park each evening.

Information: (770) 942-5481 or visit www.fbcdouglasville.org.



Other upcoming events include:

- Lithia Springs United Methodist Church will present “How Far to Bethlehem?,” a drive-through Nativity, on Dec. 7 through 9, at 7 to 9 p.m.

“From the comfort of your car, experience the true meaning of Christmas in a pageant of 11 painted scenes, music, hundreds of actors and luminaries, with live animals depicting from the annunciation to the birth of Jesus,” said member Ann Cockerill.

The pageant also features actors from other local churches: St. John Vianney Catholic Church, Cornerstone Baptist Church and Midway United Methodist Church.

Admission is free and the event will be held weather-permitting.

The church is located at 3711 Temple St. off Hwy. 78 in downtown Lithia Springs, across the railroad tracks.

Information: (770) 948-5429.



- The Starfish Players from Bright Star United Methodist Church will present the play, “The Best Christmas Pageant Ever,” by Barbara Robinson, on Dec. 7 and 8 at 7:30 p.m. and Dec. 9 at 2 p.m. at the church, at 3715 Bright Star Road, Douglasville.

The “play within a play” is produced by special arrangement with Samuel French Inc.

More than 30 people are involved in the production, said Tim Plumley, one of the play’s directors, which also include Meredith Warner and Katie Plumley.

“It is basically about an everyday Christmas pageant,” he explained, “until the six unruly bullies from the Herdsman family decide to take over the major roles of the Christmas pageant.”

Co-director Katie Plumley assures a happy ending “when the unruly Herdsman children both learn — and teach — the story of Christ’s birth.”

Tickets are $5 and may be purchased in advance or at the door.

Information: (770) 949-2555.



- The Christian Community Orchestra Free Family Christmas concert is set for Dec. 11 at 7:30 p.m. at Central Baptist Church, 5811 Central Church Road in Douglasville.

The orchestra will play favorite Christmas carols, and will encourage audience members to join in with their voices in the sing-along. The program will include a special time for recognition of those who have served or are serving in the Armed Forces.

The concert is free and no offering is taken. A fellowship time with refreshments will follow with an opportunity to meet the players.

Information: Jan Booth, (770) 942-3381 or email janboothmusic@yahoo.com.